Reflections on life in the global village

Nudism/Naturism: When celebrities and others discriminate

Funny how some people snicker, and crack dumb jokes, when you mention social nudism to them. Actually, it’s not so funny if you are serious about nudism, also known as naturism. Naturists/nudists take the practice of being textile-free very seriously. To them, it’s almost a religion. So, when celebrities ridicule nudists — often about body size and shape — during TV talk shows and such, many nudists take it personally. They respond with words like “bigotry,” “persecution,” “discrimination,” ” ignorance” — in fact, they use many of the same words that LGBTQ people use when someone discriminates against them.

Thing is, I imagine that many people who crack wise about nudists don’t really mean to discriminate. I think they may be poking fun at themselves, too, knowing that they are naturally naked beneath their textiles. In a way, they are showing that they have hangups and insecurities about body image — whether they realize it or not. Sadly, though, when celebrities do it, they are introducing unfair stereotypes and prejudice to millions of viewers, and encouraging them to be insecure about their bodies, too.

I think humour at the expense of dedicated naturists is grounded in one word: ignorance. Perhaps it is partially because so many people, especially celebrities, are caught up in industries that stress body image and fashion. There is nothing wrong with that, of course. To each their own, yes? But celebrities — such as talk-show hosts and their guests — do need to keep in mind that many people are very passionate about nudism, and they need to be treated with respect. It’s as simple as that.

Jillian

Never before did I get so close to Nature; never before did she come so close to me… Nature was naked, and I was also… Sweet, sane, still Nakedness in Nature! – ah if poor, sick, prurient humanity in cities might really know you once more! Is not nakedness indecent? No, not inherently. It is your thought, your sophistication, your fear, your respectability, that is indecent. There come moods when these clothes of ours are not only too irksome to wear, but are themselves indecent.
–– Walt Whitman, A Sun-bathed Nakedness

24 thoughts on “Nudism/Naturism: When celebrities and others discriminate”

There is nothing in this life more simple, honest and open than nudist. Our nude friends are the most genuine ever!! To laugh at and degrade these fine people is out of ignorance because those doing so haven’t taken the time to thoroughly investigate what the lifestyle really represents.

If I had a dollar for every time I heard some variation of “Why is it that all nudists are people you don’t want to see naked?” I would be rich enough to open my own naturist resort. And the thing is, I didn’t find it funny the first time!

Funny, but we tend to belittle that which we don’t understand. I can completely relax when involved in naturist activities. No one who has not experienced this is likely to understand. But with only air as a covering it is easy to be just yourself.

There has been a justified uproar rising in our nudist community with folks contacting Ellen and demanding an apology. AANR has gone on record, declaring it to be bigotry and may pursue the matter further. Others are requesting an opportunity to appear on her show to present another, saner depiction of our lifestyle.

There has been no response from Ellen, and we’ve heard that comments posted on her Facebook page are being deleted, though that is unverified.

There’s little we as individuals can do about the public’s impression of us, but an apology on Ellen’s part and an opportunity to explain our position on her show would go far to educate millions.

perhaps it is the idea of being “serious” about something!… be “sincere”; not “serious”; as soon as one expects something from someone, they are setting themselves up for being let down! … if people don’t understand why you enjoy sex with someone of the same gender, or a group of people, or do not want to eat dead animals, or feel spiritually connected to a certain teacher and/or belief system, oh well… go within and look at why it is important to yourself!… do you need to proselytize?… the passion each one of us feels toward whateva; a relationship, a sports team, a political position…. unique to each one of us…. one does not have to prove anything to anybody else; unless you are a politician… just enjoy your sojourn and life…. aloooooooooooooooooooooHA….

That assumes we all live in our own individual universe but live in a collective human space as well. So the way we live and the things we say and do affect others that is karma. So for me its not so much about proving anything as it is sharing a word of light into a circumstance that feeds darkness and ignorance in the hope that others would not be hurt. It is the practice of ahimsa or non harming. Just a thought

we “sort-of” all DO live in our own “individual universe”; just try speaking with a right-wing, tea-party, christian republican!!…. the specific word was “sincere” rather than “serious”!!…. one person’s trash is another person’s treasure…. why else would we spend $TRILLIONS for the military and armaments, yet still have hungry children?!…. karma??? ….

I think Ellen could easily make it up to us by doing a segment on naturists, though the TV censorship rules would limit it somewhat. Having actual naturists there to discuss the topic could be very enlightening, even if they have to be dressed for the purpose of doing the show. Sure, Ellen is a comedian, so some jokes would not be out of line, but I’m sure there are plenty of nudist jokes where one laughs WITH the nudists rather than AT them.

Exactly, Bradfilippone! Tom and MaryClare from Terra Cotta Inn were featured on ‘The Doctors’ TV show a couple years ago and have volunteered to go on ‘Ellen’, plus AANR has contacted the show and is awaiting a response.

That was a great segment. What would be especially good is if they could go on nude, of course, though “those” parts would have to be concealed because of the silly censor (grumble, grumble). I do recall many years ago Geraldo did a segment on nudists (of course, being Geraldo, the episode was partly exploitation), and half the audience were naturists (mostly concealed behind the chairs in front of them). I’d like to see something like that, but done more seriously.

Jim – You’re absolutely right. But as Ellens says, we can be above that and still funny, as she supposedly strives to be.

“Most comedy is based on getting a laugh at somebody else’s expense. And I find that that’s just a form of bullying in a major way. So I want to be an example that you can be funny and be kind, and make people laugh without hurting somebody else’s feelings.” – Ellen DeGeneres

“…the only people who go to nude beaches, shouldn’t” – Ellen Degeneres

And that is what makes her a hypocrite, at the very least. An apology from her is in order. Her show, her responsibility.

I am new to the topic thread…just wanted to add a personal note. The most amazing experience I ever had was at a nude beach in Miami…hundreds of people, from little kids to geriatrics- swimming, reading, picnicking, strolling in the surf. There is nothing like being in the ocean naked- it is a primordial moment. It was 20 years ago and my partner has no interest in sharing such an experience. Sad.